6 Surprising Facts About Male Infertility

Age is not just an infertility factor for women.

When the word infertility is mentioned, one invariably thinks of the women. After all, there is way more talk about eggs and IVF than there is about sperm count and motility.

However, it is important to know that fertility is a two-way street and things can go wrong with men too. Here are 6 surprising facts about male infertility.

1. Age matters

Even though men can father children well into their 60s and 70s, their fertility takes a big hit when they turn 40 and then again when they turn 50.

2. Hot tubs and saunas are a bad idea

Heat in general is terrible for sperm count and sperm mobility which makes hot tubs and saunas a bad idea.

3. Laptops are dangerous

There’s evidence that just like in hot tubs and saunas, the heat from a laptop can raise scrotal temperature, which, again, may interfere with sperm production.

4. Obesity is an enemy.

Both men and women have to watch their weight before they try to get pregnant as obesity can greatly impact fertility.

Obesity in men is associated with decreased sperm count and quality, and excessive weight may also be associated with misshapen sperm, which can interfere with the sperm’s ability to reach and penetrate the egg.

5. Smoking is a no-no

THC, a chemical found in cigarettes, can get into the body’s fat stores and has been shown in some studies to cause hormonal disruption and abnormally shaped sperm.

6. Antidepressants can damage sperm DNA

Studies have found that antidepressants (SSRIs in particular) can cause DNA damage in sperm which can result in genetic abnormalities. Once the man has gotten the anti-depressants out of his system, his sperm will return to normal.